The semiconductor photomask market slowed in 2006, according to The Information Network. After recording strong gains of 17.9% in 2004 and 7.8% in 2005, the merchant market grew only 5.4% in 2006, reaching sales of $2.2 bln. The Japanese and Asian markets each grew 10% on a revenue basis in 2006 to 77% of the worldwide market, while North America dropped 9% to $307 mln.